The Acting Summer Foundation Course at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School (BOVTS) is a ten-week intensive experience of life at a leading conservatoire drama school. On this full-time course, you will be immersed in a programme which mirrors the curriculum of current BA and MFA students and will have the opportunity to work with BOVTS staff members alongside practitioners who are active within the theatre, film and TV industry.
You will be taught through a mixture of practical performance projects and masterclasses. You will have a range of classes in acting, movement, voice, dialect, singing, improvisation, stage combat and scene study techniques. Whether you are looking to pursue acting work professionally, hone your skills for your own personal development, or explore whether degree-level training could be for you, the course offers you the opportunity to learn your craft at a renowned drama school. BOVTS offers a fun and nurturing environment in which to pursue your creative ambitions, based in one of the UK’s most exciting student cities.
The Acting Summer Foundation Course runs from Monday 14 July to Friday 19 September 2025. There will be classes scheduled on Monday – Friday throughout the duration of the course, typically running between 09:00—17:00. The exception to this is Monday 25 August; the School will be closed due to the summer bank holiday.
To give you an idea of the structure of the course, an overview of the timetable is available to download (PDF, 33 Kb). Please note that this year’s timetable may differ as our courses regularly undergo review, but you can see how different skills are typically taught throughout the course’s duration.
“What an extraordinary, life-changing experience it was! Studying at BOVTS is like being embraced into a family of caring, talented teachers and actors who are passionate about the craft and working together. The culture at BOVTS is encouraging, respectful, welcoming and empowering; the environment and buildings are beautiful and I found Bristol to be one of the most wonderful cities in which to spend the summer!” Lindy, former participant.
“My time at BOVTS was eye-opening. I found the atmosphere to be very welcoming and the tutors were always willing to answer my questions, which was invaluable as I tried to figure out my next steps. The stage combat classes were especially helpful as they opened up the whole world of stage combat for me. After finishing the Foundation Course, I went on to take a few courses in stage combat and horse riding. I’m planning to pursue more training to fulfil my goal of working in special action and live theatre.” Margot, former participant
“I knew that my career could be enhanced by some drama school training, so I looked into short courses and was thrilled to discover that BOVTS offered an Acting Summer Foundation Course. Taking ten weeks off would be much more practical than taking a year out of my career. To cut a long story short, training at BOVTS is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. To be taught by teachers working in the industry is invaluable. I know that every tool they have given me is effective, reliable and current.” Bastian, former participant
Applications close: 10am Thursday 29 May 2025
On this course you will study:
Performance workshops are all designed to help improve your skills, confidence and performance ability.
This one year course is for anyone with and an interest in learning more about acting. Whilst experience is useful, we welcome anyone with an enthusiasm and passion for the subject area.
Successful students can work in a range of roles, these may include working in creative industries such as screen acting, stage performance, directing, teaching, script writing, producing, designing or working in arts management and administration.
The Performing Arts and Theatre industries are broad programmes that introduce you to the traditional disciplines of acting, physical theatre and dance, but also cover elements of technical theatre and production. The programme allows you to develop skills for traditional roles but also allows you to cover skills for recorded and digital work. The broad programmes are ideal to explore the kinds of performance or technical role that leads to your industry specialism.
The Performing Arts programmes are delivered in purpose-built theatre and dance studio spaces, designed to replicate both the stage and back-stage experiences of a working theatre. Students also have access to dedicated IT spaces for coursework. Our tutors all have relevant experience of industry bringing a wide range of experience and expertise to the programmes.
As part of one of our working theatre companies you will take part in regular performances throughout the year, and you will get the opportunity for a lead role as part of your Final Major Project. On some projects you may be expected to adopt a formal industry role. You are encouraged to consider what kind of industry role you might adopt after college or University or consider your own performance-related business venture.
One or Two Year Theatre, Film & TV Technician Course (Incorporating HNC in Technical Theatre / HND Technical Theatre and Production Arts)
There are very few places in Scotland when you can study technical theatre and film and television production arts, but we can go much further than that.
Our course is focused on a FULL TIME - 5 days a Week course, to develop real practical skills, knowledge and experience in Theatre, Film and Television.
With our expertise and your commitment, determination and hard graft, that's the goal - to get you WORKING in one of the most exciting and creative industries in the world.
If you are in year 11 or 12 and are looking to take the next steps towards your career behind the scenes of stage and screen, then this course is for you.
This vocational course combines industry practice and creative skills. You will study in our in-house Theatre and TV Studios, using our external hire and employer links to prepare for successful career progression. Media, Film and Photography are just few of the elements required to put together a staged production. This course looks at each of these and more, helping you develop skills that are transferable from an arena sized concert or a theatrical production all the way to small scale touring venue.
This course looks into the alternative side of the industry; business and people management alongside the more obvious aspects of the course such as stage management, theatre design, construction and operations.
We will teach you a wide range of skills required to successfully and skilfully put on stage/screen productions. From learning how to design and construct costumes to managing the wardrobe backstage on a live audience event or production.
There will be no shortage of hands-on experience on this course. You will work as a crew member in Kingston College's in-house theatre, gaining an understanding of design, operative and management roles and responsibilities.
The Performing Arts National Extended Certificate is a 2 year course equivalent to 1 A Level. It is aimed at developing skills in all of the disciplines associated with the Performing Arts - theatre, music and dance - both as an audience member and as a performer. You will study a combination of practice and theory in order to develop your academic and performing skills to a high level, and you will learn how to improvise performance and interpret texts as well as understand how performances are produced, directed and choreographed. You will develop conceptual understanding as well as team working skills.
This course aims to provide opportunities for students to develop a wide range of performance skills in music, drama, dance and a range of genres. It will develop your understanding of how performers work and how performance has evolved over time, as well as all aspects of the production of a performance - as performers, producers and the audience.
If you are in year 11 or 12 and are looking to take the next steps towards your career behind the scenes of stage and screen, then this course is for you. This vocational course combines industry practice and creative skills. You will study in our in-house Theatre and TV Studios, using our external hire and employer links to prepare for successful career progression.
Lighting and Sound operation are just few of the elements required to put together a production. This course looks at each of these and more, helping you develop skills that are transferable from an arena sized concert or a theatrical production all the way to small scale touring venue.
This course looks into the alternative side of the industry; business and people management alongside the more obvious aspects of the course such as stage management, theatre design and operations. We will teach you a wide range of skills required to successfully and skilfully put on stage/screen productions. From learning how to maintain and operate technical lighting and sound equipment, to running a live audience event and managing the backstage area of a production.
There will be no shortage of hands-on experience on this course. You will work as a crew member in Kingston College's in-house theatre, gaining an understanding of design, operative and management roles and responsibilities.
Here at Kingston we love the exciting world of Make-up, Special effects, Prosthetics and Hair.
This course will allow you to develop the knowledge and skills you need to start your career within the Production Arts industry.
The course covers all essential skills you need to start your career. It is a mix of course work and in-depth practical workshop sessions, with work experience alongside. We have close links with local theatres and brands to help you gain hands on experience.
Previous Hair & Make-up experience is not required for this course. You will have the opportunity to explore and develop your skills starting with the basics to build knowledge, confidence and improve practical techniques. All we ask is for a passion to join the industry and dedication throughout the programme.
This programme is a two-year course for 16-18 years of age with the option of one-year for students 18 years of age on completion.
Theatrical Media Make-Up is an exciting career for people who are creative and have a passion for hair and beauty in the performance and media industries. It is a competitive career but with the right skills, experience and hard work you can open up a world of opportunities.
On this course you'll be introduced to the artistry of hair, make-up and special effects make-up for the stage. Working closely with our Performing Arts department and through external work experience you will develop and refine your creative skills and build your portfolio of work.
The London School of Musical Theatre (LSMT) offers a one-year, full-time course, designed for those who wish to realise their full potential as musical theatre performers.
Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation Scholarship will be awarded by the School as part of the audition/selection process on the combined basis of merit and financial need. The Scholarship will cover course fees only and will be reviewed on an annual basis.
